Fairness to contributors
Our commitment to fairness is normally achieved by ensuring that people know:
- why they are being asked to contribute to BBC output and where it will first appear.
- the context of the programme or website.
- the nature of their involvement.
The more significant their contribution, the more detail we should provide.
When inviting people to contribute to our output we should normally explain:
- the kind of contribution they are expected to make. If it is a discussion or debate we should tell them in advance about the range of views being represented and, wherever possible, the names of other likely contributors.
- whether their contribution will be live or recorded and/or edited. When recorded, we should not guarantee it will be broadcast.
- we can only give a broad outline of question areas because the direction the interview takes will be dependent on what is said.
- we will normally make them aware of significant changes to the programme as it develops which might reasonably affect their original consent to participate.
- the final content will be a fair and truthful representation of what they say and do.
- their contribution may be used by other BBC outlets or streamed online.
- we do not normally allow a preview of BBC content. However, when a preview is considered for editorial, ethical or legal reasons, we must be able to demonstrate the terms under which it was offered. It is best to do this in writing in advance. We should always make it clear that we are not surrendering editorial control and that any changes made as a result will generally only relate to the correction of agreed factual inaccuracies, concerns about the welfare of children, or for reasons of personal safety, or national security.
- their contractual rights and obligations and those of the BBC in relation to their contribution. For example, we expect contributors to be honest, straightforward and truthful.
- we may ask contributors to sign a contract which formalises the terms of their dealings with us, and includes a declaration of personal information which may bring the BBC into disrepute, for example, criminal convictions, or which may involve possible conflicts of interest.
- there may be occasions when people are discussed, referred to or appear in material provided by a contributor without their knowledge or consent. They may be public figures or private individuals and the material may include photographs, video and correspondence in which they feature. We should be fair and accurate in our portrayal of these people and where appropriate respect their privacy.